154 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 



scarcely an inch. The blotch is distinctly obcordate in shape, and bright 

 maroon in colour, distinctly feathered at the sides, and nearly white in a 

 broad central line at the base. We have gone into the matter in some 

 •detail, for it is a most remarkable hybrid, and had D. nobile been the seed 

 parent one might almost have classed it among so-called " False Hybrids." 

 Still the differences are very marked. We congratulate Mr. Hunter on his 

 success, and shall hope to see flowers again next year. 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MAY. 

 By John MaCKAY, The Gardens, Highbury, Birmingham. 

 The temperatures may now be increased in the various departments, and the 

 following will serve as a guide during the summer months : — 



Warm House :— Night, 65°-70° ; Day, 7o°-8o°. 



Intermediate House :— Night, 6o°-65° ; Day, 65°-70°. 



Cool House :— Night, 55°-6o° ; Day. 6o°-65°. 



The weather of the past month has been very changeable, and will have 

 given the Orchidist an anxious time in the proper manipulation of shading 

 and ventilation. However, we may now look forward to having more settled 

 •conditions, and favourable to the development and growth and flowers. The 

 houses will begin to present a gay appearance with all kinds of Orchids, for 

 -during this month we usually get the best display of the year. 



The Warm House. — Most of the plants in the warmest divisions will 

 by this time have been set going, and should have every attention and 

 encouragement in order to secure the best results. Damping down 

 frequently will be necessary during warm weather, and on fine days the 

 plants, such as Dendrobiums, Vandas, Cypripediums, &c, will greatly 

 benefit by being lightly sprayed over in the early morning. Admit plenty 

 •of air by means of bottom ventilators, in order to keep the atmosphere in a 

 sweet and healthy condition. On very hot days it will perhaps be necessary 

 to open the top ventilators; this should be done with judgment, and then 

 only for a short time during the middle of the day. This house should be 

 closed early in the afternoon, so that the temperature may rise with 

 advantage, and the shading should be removed as soon as this can 

 be done without harm resulting to the plants. Maintain sufficient warmth 

 in the pipes to keep the necessary temperature during the night. 



The Cattleya House.— This house will offer a grand display during 

 the next few weeks, with such species as Ladia purpurata, Cattleya Mossia, 

 and C. Mendelii, together with the numerous hybrids derived from these 

 and other parents. They should have every encouragement at the present 

 time, in order to develop their flowers satisfactorily. Plenty of work will 

 be found in attending to the various species as these come into condition 



